Surround yourself with People that Make you Better

I think – more and more – that it's important to surround yourself (at least some of the time) with people that have similar goals, values, and hobbies as yourself.

Let's use fitness as an example.

If you're the only one in your life that prioritizes and is really committed to improving your physical development: you're environment – either directly or indirectly – will eventually hold you back or push you forward.

If you're passionate about lifting weights, building muscle, gaining strength, improving conditioning, going on daily walks, and just improving your physical health in general — you will have far more success and enjoyment if others in your life are also interested and similarly "yolked" with these values.

This doesn't mean all your friends or family must be passionate about fitness like you are (though, it definitely makes success much easier and the process more enjoyable). But you should try to connect with a community of people that relate to you and share your passion, so at least you have some community of like-minded individuals. 

Maybe that's some coworkers. 

Maybe that's some cool bros that you meet at the gym. 

Or, maybe you find an online community of like-minded health and fitness enthusiasts. That's one positive result of social media (and online fitness forums prior to that). 

Many people have a hard time finding similar "fitness oriented" individuals in their immediate environment. Even at the gym, they may be surrounded by people with goals more aligned with a different niche (there are many niches in the fitness industry. A bodybuilder would not be well-suited training at a powerlifting gym, and vise-versa. An abbreviated training advocate may not be well suited to the oft-drug-enhanced 5pm-7pm crowd at the local globo gym. Find people that are interested in at least a generally similar niche, if possible).

This community can make up a very small amount of your weekly or even monthly social interactions. But that little bit, and that feeling of belonging within a tribe, is necessary if you want to maximize your outcomes within your hobbies and lifestyle.

I'm not encouraging anyone to dump their family or friends in the name of solely hanging out with people who align and prioritize the same hobbies. That's not necessary, possibly boring, and probably a terrible life decision. I am encouraging you to find some form of community – either online or in-person – where you can become apart of a tribe with similar goals and ambitions.